As we close out 2025, the Cowichan Valley real estate market continues to show signs of stability, even in the face of broader economic uncertainty. According to the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), one word best defined the regional housing market this past year: resilience.
A Steady Year Despite Headwinds
Across Vancouver Island, total home sales in 2025 edged slightly higher compared to 2024, with 7,620 properties sold board-wide. While December activity slowed seasonally, the overall market held up well compared to other parts of British Columbia, particularly larger urban centres on the Lower Mainland.
In the Cowichan Valley specifically, December saw fewer sales than the same time last year, which is typical for this time of year. However, prices remained relatively steady, highlighting the region's underlying housing demand.
Home Prices in the Cowichan Valley
The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Cowichan Valley stood at $752,700 in December 2025, up modestly 1% year-over-year. This stability is notable given ongoing concerns around interest rates, inflation, and global economic uncertainty.
Condo apartments and townhomes across the broader board area experienced more variability, with some price softening in certain regions and modest gains in others. Overall, these segments continue to offer opportunities for buyers looking for alternatives to single-family homes.
Inventory and Market Balance
Active listings across Vancouver Island increased slightly from last year, giving buyers more choice than during the tighter markets of 2021 and 2022. In the Cowichan Valley, this balanced level of inventory has helped prevent sharp price swings while allowing well-priced, well-presented homes to continue attracting interest.
For sellers, this means pricing and preparation matter more than ever. For buyers, it means there is time to make informed decisions without the intense pressure seen in past years.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While interest rate cuts are not guaranteed in the near term, the Cowichan Valley continues to benefit from strong lifestyle appeal, long-term population growth, and steady demand from retirees, families, and move-up buyers. These factors help insulate the local market from more dramatic fluctuations seen elsewhere.
As we head into 2026, the local real estate market appears positioned for continued stability rather than sharp growth or decline.